Real Madrid have knocked out defending champions, Chelsea out of the 2021/2022 Champions League season.

Chelsea knew that they needed to win by two clear goals to have a chance of a comeback in a clash they lost their first leg 1-3 at the Stamford Bridge. They responded through Mason Mount’s wonderful finish and Antonio Rudiger’s powerful header which wiped out Real’s 3-1 first-leg advantage.

READ ALSO: Chukwueze sends Bayern Munich out of Champions League

This brought the quarter-final tie level in Spain’s capital.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were outstanding throughout and Timo Werner’s clever finish from an angle put them ahead for the first time on aggregate and within sight of a place in the semi-finals.

But substitute Rodrygo – after a stunning pass by Luka Modric – forced extra time with a volleyed finish. Karim Benzema, a hat-trick hero in the first leg at Stamford Bridge six days earlier then headed home the decisive goal in the 96th minute to send Real through 5-4 on aggregate.

Benzema, who had earlier headed against the bar on a rollercoaster night, was unmarked when he scored to break Chelsea’s hearts. He benefitted after Rudiger slipped inside the box.

Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Jorginho went close to forcing a penalty shootout but were not successful.

The Galacticos will now face the winner of the game between Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.